![The best builders learn to combine both mindsets. They build like engineers but think like future mechanics. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0037.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Building vs. Fixing")
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F-117_Nighthawk_Front.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Odd and Unusual Aircraft")
![After nearly 75 years, the basic Tailwind design remains sound. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_4636.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The Wittman Tailwind")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_125628775.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Roll Recovery, Part 2")
Avionics Special: Surfing the Rapids
Marc Cooks installation of Grand Rapids Technologies Horizon HX synthetic vision EFIS is darned near plug-and-play, and works beautifully.
Build a Bear: Put the Fabric in Fabrication
Dave Prizio evaluates the two major fabric covering systems – PolyFiber and Air-Tech – and sets to work, patiently covering his Texas Sport Cub airframe.
The Independence Project: We Start the Finish Kit
The Independence Project presses on, this time tackling the multiple tasks that make up the finish kit on the RV-12. By Dave Martin.
Radio Too Hot? Cool It!
Jim Weir borrows a trick from the world of computers to provide a cool breeze to your radio stack.
Wind Tunnel
Barnaby Wainfan brings aerodynamics to life with an illustrated field guide to the various devices seen at AirVenture.
Bush Hog
How do you say ginormous in Russian? Bush Hog. Ed Wischmeyer flies the E-7 prototype, and finds the development team is on top of things.
25th Anniversary: Change Is Good
At AirVenture 2009, Amy Laboda took the opportunity to talk with 12 key innovators in the world of Experimental aviation, with one question in mind: What do you think has been the most significant change in homebuilding aircraft in the past 25 years?
Gathering at Gardner
Dick and Sharon Starks bring the Morane to the Gathering of Eagles WW-I replica fly-in. Where The Dawn Patrol goes, adventure follows.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick and Sharon Starks and The Dawn Patrol make their annual, magical pilgrimage to AirVenture Oshkosh. Mix in a big, surly storm, the Wild Snorting Piglet, and an Air Force Brigadier General, and you've some something to write home about.
Engine Beat
How are your cylinders doing? A differential compression test can uncover any problems-almost before they start. Steve Ells explores what the results mean, and what to do about them.
In Case You Missed It
Error Chain
Forty-amp Catch-22. Accidentally bumping the alternator switch uncovered a circuit-breaker problem.
Build It Better: Hope Is Not a Plan
There are always unknowns in any human endeavor, but in aviation, we must think about the ways we can minimize them.
